During Small Business Week, we honor small business owners and workers
for their important role in ensuring that America remains the economic
leader of the world. Every day, our Nation's small businesses help
enhance the lives of our citizens and lead the way in an economy
distinguished by low unemployment, sustained job creation, and one of
the fastest growth rates of any major industrialized nation.

To help extend our Nation's prosperity, my Administration is committed
to continuing the pro-growth economic policies that encourage enterprise
and make America the best place in the world to do business. Our
economy has created more than 7 million new jobs since major tax relief
was enacted in 2003, and we are working to keep taxes low to help small
businesses continue to expand. We are taking steps to make health care
more affordable and available for small business owners and employees by
encouraging Health Savings Accounts, supporting Association Health Plans
legislation, and proposing a standard tax deduction for health
insurance. My Administration is also committed to ensuring that small
businesses can compete in the global economy. By continuing to expand
trade, we can open new markets for American products, lower prices for
consumers, and create better American jobs.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of cities and towns across the
country, and we salute small business owners, entrepreneurs, and
employees for enhancing our communities and expanding opportunities for
all. The hard work and ingenuity of our Nation's small business men and
women are helping to sustain America's economic strength.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 22 through April 28,
2007, as Small Business Week. I call upon the people of the United
States to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and
programs that celebrate the accomplishments of small business owners and
their employees and encourage the development of new small businesses.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-first.